Martin Keown has criticized the way Arsenal gaffer, Mikel Arteta is handling Aubameyang’s face-off, warning the club could lose him to rivals
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Arsenal legend and defender, Martin Keown, has advised Mikel Attetal to treat Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s case with a lot of caution, as he is central to their Champions League ambition.
The club captain, Aubameyang was stripped of his captaincy and left out of the impressive 2-0 win against local rival West Ham United during the week.
Mike Arteta has also refused to discuss the possibility of the Gabonese striker returning to action against Leeds United at Elland Road today.
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Arsenal legend, Martin Keown has weighed in into the matter, expressing his disappointment over how the manager is handling the face-off between him and the player.
The former defender criticized Arteta’s failure to communicate effectively on the matter, warning that Arsenal could lose their star striker to rival clubs.
The 49-year-old Keown insisted that despite the clubs’ brilliant performances without Aubameyang, Arsenal is more likely to make the top four with the striker in the form and the team.
“We don’t know if the player himself isn’t ready or if it’s COVID-related but I think that’s disappointing,” the Arsenal legend told talkSPORT.
“I understand why the captaincy was taken away from him but I feel a bridge should be built between the club, the manager and the player to get him back onto the pitch.
“I sincerely hope it’s not the club blocking Aubameyang coming back in. There’s got to be a path for the player to come back at some point.”
Martin Keown added: “This is a failure to communicate in the right way, what sort of communication is that?
“I’d have to take Arteta to task over that, I want a clear message about this player…
“It doesn’t look like there’s a future right now but let’s see what happens.
“I wouldn’t want to lose him. I certainly wouldn’t want to lose him to one of Arsenals’ rivals.
“Fourth place is up for grabs and if he can come back fit, well and his mind is together, there’s an opportunity for Arsenal to make it. They’re not a stronger squad without him.”